CGC Adeniyi leads tributes as customs celebrates Dera Nnadi’s retirement, 60th birthday

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) paid glowing tributes to one of its accomplished senior officers, Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Dera Nnadi (Rtd), as he retired from active service after decades of meritorious contribution to Nigeria’s customs administration and trade facilitation.

The colourful ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, drew members of the Customs management team, senior officers, family members, associates and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate a career widely acknowledged for professionalism, integrity and exemplary leadership.

The occasion carried special significance as the retirement coincided with the 60th birthday of Dera Nnadi, transforming the event into both a formal send-off from public service and a milestone birthday celebration.

Leading the tributes, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described Nnadi as a distinguished officer whose career reflected the finest ideals of discipline, dedication and institutional loyalty that define the Customs Service.

According to the CGC, the retired DCG distinguished himself through his commitment to operational excellence, mentorship of younger officers and strategic contributions to revenue generation, trade facilitation and border management within the Service.

“Today is both a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” Adeniyi said, noting that Nnadi’s career journey remains a source of inspiration to officers across the Service.

The Customs boss further commended the retiree for his strong leadership, intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to duty, describing him as a dependable administrator whose professionalism helped strengthen institutional standards and operational efficiency.

Adeniyi also highlighted the long-standing personal and professional relationship he shares with Nnadi, revealing that their connection extends beyond official engagements to family ties. He expressed confidence that the retired officer’s wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership insight would continue to benefit the country through academic engagements, policy advisory roles and other professional contributions.

Members of the Customs management team also took turns to celebrate the retiring officer, praising his integrity, humility and capacity to inspire confidence among colleagues and subordinates alike. Several officers who served under him described him as a principled leader and mentor who nurtured talent, encouraged discipline and played a significant role in strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

They noted that beyond his administrative achievements, Nnadi earned the respect of peers and subordinates for his calm disposition, strategic thinking and ability to build consensus in complex operational environments.

In his response, Dera Nnadi expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General, the management team, and officers and men of the Service for the support, cooperation and camaraderie he enjoyed throughout his career.

Reflecting on his years in service, he described his journey in the Customs Service as fulfilling and impactful, marked by opportunities to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He also encouraged younger officers to remain committed to professionalism, discipline and service to the nation, urging them to uphold the values and traditions of the Service.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the retired DCG, bringing to a close a memorable celebration of a career widely regarded within the Nigeria Customs Service as exemplary and impactful.